Near the center of San Juan Island, in an area known to some as ‘Hippy Heights,’ Dave Ber hand-crafts knives in his 200-square-foot shop.
The self-taught knife artisan began honing his craft in 1986. He outfitted his first blade with a simple wood handle. Crude in comparison to his work today, Dave never sold the knife. It wasn’t up to his standards. But the three-incher foreshadowed the elegant designs and exceptionally well-balanced blades he makes today.
Dave’s shop is one of three rustic wood structures on the 2.5-acre perch overlooking San Juan Channel where he lives with his wife, Lina Vander Houwen. It sits at the center of the three buildings, flanked by Linda’s cozy get-away and their home — a beautiful cabin originally constructed in 1988before they bought the property. “It was just one room when we moved in,” Linda told me as we sat in their toasty living room. “Dave added the loft. The bathroom. This room where we are now. The deck. We just kept expanding as need be.”
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Dave-Ber-knife-maker.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo_kenmoreair_main.svgMikaela Judd2020-05-19 00:00:002022-11-28 14:21:14Dave Ber, San Juan Island Knife Maker
Quiet, tree-lined roads wind around lakeshores and cow pastures. They skim rocky beaches and crest mountain tops. This is Orcas Island. The largest in the San Juans, it’s roughly 57-square miles. With a horseshoe shape and the archipelago’s tallest peak (Mount Constitution), the remote gem offers a geographically diverse wonderland of view and nature.
While the thigh-burning challenge of exploring on two wheels might make you think twice, an e-bike can turn a grueling trek into a fun-filled adventure. So gather ye’ helmets and favorite adventure buddies. The road is calling.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Best-Bike-trails-on-Orcas-Island.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo_kenmoreair_main.svgMikaela Judd2020-04-29 22:05:002023-03-06 05:01:21Best Orcas Island Bike Routes
Tucked in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, at the watery edge of the US and Canadian border, the San Juan Islands are a kayaker’s paradise.
The more than 170 islands and inlets are sheltered from the biggest ocean swells. This is thanks to their neighboring landmasses — the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island. And though tucked in the wet Pacific Northwest, this remote archipelago is located at the center of the Olympic Rain Shadow (aka the ‘Banana Belt’). The unique sunshine blanket is created by the Olympic Mountains which condenses and squeezes most of the air’s moisture from the sky before it reaches the San Juans. The result is an average of 270 days with sunshine a year — making this arguably the happiest place in Washington.
As with many remote destinations, the San Juan Islands have attracted a quirky culture of artists and artisans who operate at a slower pace, who savor views a little longer, and who love nature with an unending passion.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/kayaking-in-the-san-juans.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo_kenmoreair_main.svgMikaela Judd2020-04-10 00:00:002022-12-02 22:02:10From the Water’s Surface: Sea Kayaking in the San Juans
The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh seafood and lush mountainscapes. But speckled throughout its cities and destinations, you’ll also find baked delectables that’ll make you want to ooh and aah.
When it comes to romance, nothing says you’re important more than undivided attention. A romantic San Juan Island getaway is the perfect opportunity to savor a moment just the two of you.
Because there’s something special about getting beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Something magical about checking the pressures of work at the dock, forgetting about the laundry, and letting the sitter handle the kids.
So block out some time on the calendar and use these tips to make the most of your romantic San Juan Island getaway!
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/couple-at-sunset.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo_kenmoreair_main.svgMikaela Judd2020-01-02 00:00:002022-12-24 13:56:46How to Make the Most of a Romantic San Juan Island Getaway
Have you thought about your travel bucket list? A new year is the perfect time to re-visit and maybe re-map yours with some unique Pacific Northwest travel ideas.
Because while you may have visited Victoria, the San Juan Islands, Vancouver, and Seattle — have you actually seen and done everything? Chances are, there are quite a few unique Pacific Northwest travel ideas that you haven’t yet explored.
Escape the hustle and bustle with a relaxing getaway and discover that there are a plethora of fun things to do this winter in the San Juan Islands.
Winter is known as the ‘slow season’ in the San Juan Islands. And while the potential for a winter storm may leave you hesitant to visit, this quaint region still has their welcome mat rolled out. In fact, winter can be one of the best times to plan your San Juan Islands getaway.
During the winter, you’ll have the hiking trails mostly to yourself. Shop owners have the freedom to linger and talk. Indulge in a spa date. Savor local wines. And, spend time outdoors without worrying about freezing temperatures — the San Juans have an average daily temp of 46-48 degrees December through January!
11 Unique Things to do in the San Juan Islands this Winter
Take a Winter Hike
One of the beauties of winter is how quiet and serene the local parks tend to be. It’s the perfect time to stroll at your own pace through the wind-swept grasslands on San Juan Island’s South Beach Hiking Trail. Visit Cascade Falls on Orcas Island to see how the water roars thanks to the late-season drizzle. Or explore one of these fabulous San Juan Island day hikes.
Storm Watching
Throughout the San Juan Islands you’ll notice the rocky beaches are strewn with massive old-growth forest driftwood. Locals and visitors will often use these logs to construct rudimentary beach huts or makeshift chairs. The wood is also a reminder of the dramatic storms that crash onto the shores, as the waves bring the massive pieces from the ocean’s depth. A winter storm is a stunning sight to behold — especially if you select a hotel or resort with a waterfront view!
Horseback Riding
Want to give your feet a rest? Consider a trail ride on a beautiful horse through the quiet forests. Horseshu Ranch offers riding lessons and scenic forest trail rides, providing the perfect winter activity.
Wine Tasting at Doe Bay Wine Co.
In the heart of Eastsound, Orcas Island native, Cole Sisson and his wife Stephanie run Doe Bay Wine Co. The quaint wine shop offers an exquisite collection of carefully curated wine. The couple also frequently offers wine tastings — a guided exploration of their favorite picks that day.
Explore the Whale Museum
Founded in 1967 to study the region’s beloved Southern Resident orcas, The Whale Museum is located in downtown Friday Harbor. It overlooks the marina, capitalizing on the view with a porthole window and binoculars. While visiting, you’ll also be able to learn about many of the other local inhabitants like seals and grey whales.
Free Organ Concerts at Rosario Resort
Rosario Resort’s historic Moran Mansion is beautiful in its own right. But it’s made even more so by the 1913 Aeolian pipe organ and 1900 Steinway grand piano. Saturdays during the winter discover the musical prowess of these two beautiful instruments during a free concert. Concerts are led by accomplished musician, author, and Rosario historian, Christian Peacock. They include both musical performances and a historic narrative.
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) features rotating exhibitions in its three galleries. The theme of the exhibitions can range widely — allowing you to immerse yourself within regional and world-wide art that inspires you to think beyond yourself.
Enjoy a Steaming Bowl of Ramen
Tucked in a non-descript section of Lopez Village, the tiny Japanese eatery Setsunai is dishing up hearty bowls of ramen year-round. It’s not the kind of hearty goodness you would expect to find in a region where seafood rules, but the made-to-order bowls are out of this world.
Karaoke at the Lower Tavern
Want your island getaway to include some lively fun? Make sure to stop by Orcas Island’s The Lower Tavern on Friday nights where locals and visitors gather for a lively round of karaoke.
While dinner out and a dozen roses are nice, a quiet getaway is the ultimate in perfection. And, there’s no better place to cuddle up with your someone special than in the San Juans!
There’s more to Rosario Resort than its picturesque setting. Moran Mansion is home to both a 1913 Aeolian pipe organ and a 1900 Steinway grand piano, where free public concerts are regularly offered.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/couple-happy-winter.jpg380720Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo_kenmoreair_main.svgMikaela Judd2019-12-05 00:00:002022-04-08 20:46:21Things to do this Winter in the San Juans
San Juan Island is rich with great scenery, both ashore and at sea. And with its temperate climate, it’s the perfect place to hike year-round.
Here the borders are oceans and the dress code is casual—think fleece, jeans and Birkenstocks—rests a constantly changing archipelago. Depending on the tide, as many as 743 islands and reefs dot the water throughout the San Juan Islands. The ebb and flow of the landscape adds to the mystic of this sunny destination.
Located in the Olympic Mountain Rain Shadow, the San Juans are graced with an average 250 days with sunshine. Hiking here is glorious, especially on San Juan Island. The terrain varies from lush forest and rolling prairie to rocky beaches and steep cliffs. The island’s coastline and peaks feature breathtaking views of the snowcapped Olympic Mountains, old growth forests, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca’s expansive waterway.
The habitats are untouched and home to a wide variety of wildlife. Bird watching here is a favorite. You might witness eagles mating, swallows feeding their young or an osprey perched on its nest. The star attraction is the killer whale. And while there are many options for whale watching tours, there’s at least one land-based hike that rivals many on-the-water experiences. So depending on what you want from your day hike experience—stunning views, unspoiled nature or up close wildlife— San Juan Island likely offers it. This is largely thanks to the death of a pig.
The large stretches of undeveloped coastline on San Juan Island can be attributed to an 1859 pig slaying. It nearly resulted in an American-British war. In response to the dispute, both the Americans and the English established encampments on the island’s prime lookouts. Today, the two locales are known as American Camp and English Camp. Each is home to historic remnants, such as garrisons and graveyards, of their former inhabitants. In 2013, the United States recognized the expansive stretch of both camps (and several other locations throughout the San Juan Islands) as a national monument, thus further preserving the coastline for future generations. Encompassing a total of 955 acres, the monument spans as far north as Patos Island and is known as the San Juan Islands National Monument. It is here that many of the island’s best hikes are found.
5 San Juan Island Hikes to Enjoy Year-Round
1. Cattle Point Lighthouse
At San Juan Island’s southernmost tip, Cattle Point Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This iconic structure was completed in 1935, but a navigational beacon has stood on the glacier-scraped rock since 1888.
It’s named after the cattle that roamed the point’s rocky grassland in 1853. They were brought by when the Hudson’s Bay Company which established a ranch on the south end of the island to feed its employees. The trail winds through windswept grassy dunes and culminates at the lighthouse. Look for blacktail deer, eagles, seals, and sea lions.
Open from dawn to dusk, trail maps are available at the San Juan Island National Historical Park visitor center.
2. Afterglow Vista
Roughly half a mile roundtrip, the Afterglow Vista trail winds through an old cemetery. Its gentle ascent culminates in a massive mausoleum, the final resting place of the McMillin family. (The mausoleum was designed by the family’s patriarch, John S. McMillin, who founded Roche Harbor Lime and Cement Company in 1886.)
After walking through the cemetery you’ll eventually reach the McMillin mausoleum, now referred to as Roche Harbor Mausoleum. The mausoleum is marked by a high arching gate labeled, “Afterglow Vista.” Just beyond its border is the McMillin family tomb encircled by massive pillars. At its center, limestone chairs surround a large limestone table. Each seat holds the cremated ashes of a McMillin family member. The location is rumored to be haunted. Don’t worry.
The trail is only open dawn to dusk. Trail maps are available at the resort’s Hotel de Haro.
3. Mount Finlayson Trail
As a sequel to your Cattle Point Lighthouse jaunt, the 3½-mile Mount Finlayson trail offers an overlooking view of the lighthouse and its sweeping grasslands. The 285-foot elevation gain begins gently with a forest of wind-defying twisted firs on your left. On your right, the majestic Olympic Mountain Range takes center stage.
It was here an American shot and killed a Hudson’s Bay pig, which was rooting in his garden. This event triggered the infamous Pig War between the British and United States that never did take place. Keep an eye out while you hike.
This is one of the island’s best bird watching locations. Frequent visitors include eagles, plovers, sandpipers, and hawks. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
4. Lime Kiln State Park
If you find yourself on San Juan Island with a desire to spot an Orca, the short hike on Lime Kiln State Park is a must stop. This is generally recognized as one of the best land-based whale watching locations in the world. While most folks visit for the whales, the park’s namesake—a wood-fired kiln located at its northern edge—shouldn’t be overlooked.
The trail, totaling 1¼ miles, begins at the park’s lower parking lot. Follow the signs to the lighthouse for a chance to see orcas at play. The trail leads you through large grassy meadows interspersed with evergreens and madrona trees. It takes you over rocky bluffs, offering glimpses of the sandy shoreline below. Ultimately, it brings you to the lighthouse, which sits atop Lime Kiln Point, a rocky outcropping overlooking Dead Man’s Bay on San Juan Island. Established in 1919, the lighthouse is still in operation guiding ships through Haro Strait. Spend some time with a good pair of binoculars looking for whales. And, don’t be surprised when the whales pass close to shore. Eventually, you’ll want to follow the trail north to the kiln. A set of steep stairs leads to the kiln’s base, offering you a closer look.
The park is open from 8 am to dusk. For additional information, visit the park’s interpretive center located by the parking lot.
5. Young Hill
Young Hill’s 650-foot crest is English Camp’s crown jewel. It offers a grand view of Haro Straight and the placid waters surrounding Bell Point.
The two-mile roundtrip hike begins at the large English Camp parking area. Take the gentle climb east through a Doug-fir and madrona forest. After the switchback, you’ll emerge at the edge of a grassy ledge. There, Victoria and the Gulf Islands will spill out before you. It is recommended you explore English Camp to learn about its history, why it was created, and its historical role in the relationship between England and the United States. Here, you’ll also be treated to some of the island’s most incredible views.
The trail is open from dawn to 11 pm. For additional information and a trail map, visit the English Camp Visitor Center during the summer months.
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Stunning views and fewer crowds make Turtleback Mountain a fabulous alternative to the sometimes-crowded hikes at Orcas Island’s Moran State Park.
Spanning 1,578 acres, Turtleback Mountain Preserve is a newer addition to the island’s trails. It was originally owned by the Chairman of the Weyerhaeuser company. But in 2006 it was purchased by a group of conservation groups including the San Juan Preservation Trust.
Since then, a relatively primitive trail system has been developed totally more than 8 miles of trails and two trailheads. The two sides of the mountain have decidedly different looks. At the north end, former logging roads offer exceptional mountain biking and trail running.
The casual hiker generally prefers the south end, where easy-to-moderate elevation gains and breathtaking views abound — like the 2.9-mile Ship Peak Loop.
Start from the southern parking lot and head through the ravine. After you cross a creek, the trail will split. Head to the left, taking the Lost Oak Trail. (While it’s a loop, this direction allows you to get the steeper climb out of the way first.)
This section will take you under a canopy of Douglas firs, madrones, and Garry oaks. At .7 miles you’ll reach a bench with a viewpoint of West Sound. As you continue climbing the South Trail, you’ll be treated to expanding views of Salt Spring, Lopez, San Juan Island, and the Olympic Mountains.
At 1.2 miles you’ll reach the West Overlook. This was formerly the site of a home, but it’s now outfitted with a bench. During the spring, the grounds around you will be flooded with camas lilies. But year-round, this is a spectacular destination for sunsets.
Continue along the trail, gradually descending to a signed junction. Wander through the mature forest, past an old fence and several trees before taking the steep descend into a thick forest. Continuing on, you’ll come to the original junction. Stay to the left to reach the trailhead.
Distance: 2.9 miles, round trip
ElevationGain: 860 ft.
Highest Point: 931 ft.
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accessible: Year-round
Tips: Bring water. There’s no fresh source along the way.
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Turtleback-Mountain.jpg6331200Mikaela Juddhttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo_kenmoreair_main.svgMikaela Judd2019-10-24 00:00:002022-04-08 20:46:37Orcas Island Hiking at Turtleback Mountain
Now through November 9, 2019 — indulge in the best of the islands at the 12th annual Savor the San Juans.
Fall is in full swing and the San Juans recently kicked off one of our favorite events — Savor the San Juans. From wine tastings and beer fests to farm tours and exquisite multi-course dinners, this yearly event delights the palate. Discover the top seven reasons we look forward to a food-filled island getaway:
1. The Pace
Throughout the summer, the islands buzz with locals and visitors. Shop keepers, chefs, vintners, and artists are constantly going full tilt to keep up with demand. As fall hits and the summer rush subsides, the islands slow down. There’s more time for lingering chats, giving you an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the unique residents.
2. Sunny Weather
The San Juan Islands average 247 with sunshine. That’s nearly double the number of sunny days here in Seattle. This is thanks t the fact that the San Juans are tucked at the heard of the Olympic Rain Shadow. So if you’re in need of some Vitamin D, a bit of island time is just the ticket.
3. Stunning Fall Colors
Though still sunnier than Seattle, fall does bring a bit of rain. This is a fact for which we are grateful. Because the rain does wonders for the San Juan Islands’ natural habitat as the golden-brown hillsides give way to green. The trees turn and the pumpkins grow plump. It’s a stunning sight to behold.
4. Creative Menus
The remote nature of the San Juan Islands makes farm-to-table cooking a necessity for chefs. For patrons, this means menus loaded with fresh ingredients. And during the fall, when crowds don’t require restaurants to turn tables quite so quickly, chefs can flex their creative muscles.
5. Impeccable Wine Pairings
During Savor the San Juans, chefs and vintners often work together to create impeccable wine pairings. Doe Bay Wine Company and Outlook Inn are co-hosting a guided wine tasting with sommelier Cole Sisson. Coho chefs Ryan Lockhart and Tim Payne are creating an exquisite Italian-focused five-course menu with optional wine pairing.
6. Lodging Specials
With the culmination of the summer rush, many of the island’s hotels and bed-and-breakfasts offer lower rates. From discounts to free nights, fall is a great time to visit the San Juans for less.
7. Fun Activities
From a lively food festival, Bite of the San Juans, to inspiring film festivals, the San Juans will host a wide variety of inspirational events for both the mind and the spirit. There are farm tours on Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island. And, you’ll be treated to a plethora of farmers’ markets, community parades, and tea events.
Start Your Vacation on the Dock
Who wants to fight traffic or wait for the ferry? Don’t waste time. Start your vacation on the dock. It’s just a 45-minute scenic flight to San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island from Seattle. Plus, our Lower Fall Fares to the San Juan Islands start October 1!
https://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/elaborate-salmon-dinner.jpg380750kenmoreairstghttps://kenmoreair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo_kenmoreair_main.svgkenmoreairstg2019-10-15 00:00:002019-10-15 00:00:007 Reasons We’re Excited for Savor the San Juans
